The effects of induction electric field on sensitivity of firing rate in a single-compartment neuron model

Neural coding is one of the most important ways for neurons responding to external stimuli. In this paper, a new single-compartment neuron model in the effect of induction electric field (IEF) is established based on a simplified Hodgkin–Huxley (HH) model. We investigate how a neuron encodes the external stimulus and the sensitivity of neuronal firing rate to noises. Noisy direct current IEF (DCIEF) and alternating current IEF (ACIEF) are added into the model at the bifurcation point, respectively. Through numerical simulation, we show that frequency and amplitude of the IEF have significant influences on the sensitivity of neuronal firing rate. The presented results may have important implications for neural information processing.

► This paper proposes a new-minimal neuron model in the effect of induction electric field.
► Show the effect of induction electric field on neuronal sensitivity of firing rate to noises.
► This paper demonstrates the characteristics of sensitivity and adaptation in neurons.
► Show the parameters range of the electric field that can influence neuronal sensitivity.